Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions asked our Ent Specialists hear while speaking with patients.
Is Dr. Mackie the only practicing physician?
Yes, but we have the help of our PA and our amazing ENT Clinical Staff at our Edinburg office as well.
Do patients need a referral to see Dr. Mackie?
All Medicaid patients, Medicare Replacements and HMO patients require a referral. If you have any questions be sure to call our Edinburg Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at 956-631-2957.
What insurances does The Mackie Clinic accept?
Generally, we take all insurances. We do not accept Hidalgo County Indigents, Superior MMP, Letter of Protection (LOP), WebTPA, United Compass. Call our Edinburg Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic with any questions.
Allergies:
Is the LDA covered by insurance?
No, the LDA is not covered by insurance. If have any questions on our different Allergy Treatments, please call us at 956-631-2957.
Balloon Sinuplasty/Sinus Issues:
What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty is a procedure offered by The Mackie Clinic that is minimally invasive, can be done in one visit (after consulting with Dr. Mackie), is an alternative to medications intended to treat sinusitis and provide relief from sinusitis.
What symptoms are Balloon Sinuplasty procedures intended to treat?
Balloon Sinuplasty is helpful in treating symptoms associated with sinusitis including: stuffy nose, cough, nasal blockage, nasal discharge, facial and sinus pressure and headaches.
Am I a candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?
If you have experienced any number of the symptoms above and have suffered with chronic or recurrent sinusitis, you may find relief from sinusitis through Balloon Sinuplasty
Is my Balloon Sinuplasty covered by my insurance?
Most insurances cover Balloon Sinuplasty. Balloon Sinuplasty is covered by insurance. Contact us at The Mackie Clinic to find out if Balloon Sinuplasty is right for you.
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Safe? 1
Long term studies indicated that Patients who get treatment from sinusitis symptoms, using Balloon Sinuplasty show significant improvement in symptoms within 2 years.
Can Dr. Mackie resolve my eustachian tube disorder (pressure inside ears)?
Yes, we offer balloon eustachian tuboplasty. This is slightly different then our Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure. Please call us with any questions on Eustachian Tube Disorders at 956-631-2957.
Do I need to repeat the balloon sinuplasty procedure?
No, we have heard some patients share that they have been advised to do more than one Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure at other clinic. At The Mackie Clinic, we free your sinuses in one procedure- follow up procedures are not needed.
What are some precautions I need to take during my Balloon Sinuplasty Visit?
Before your Balloon Sinuplasty surgery, the patient must do the following: no blood thinners prior to surgery, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure and we recommend you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. If you have any more questions on balloon sinuplasty, give us a call at 956-631-2957.
Hearing Aids:
Does my insurance cover new hearing aids?
It depends on your plan. We are familiar with most insurances and if they cover hearing aids. Call us for help at 956-631-2957 if you have any questions on hearing aid insurance, sales or service.
